Cookies

We want you to get the most out of using this website, which is why we and our partners use cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to receive these cookies. You can find out more about how we use cookies here.

Join police to make life better, not for profits

A man with the big golden ‘M’ stitched onto his cap saying: “Scuse me sir, would you mind blowing into this Guinness-sponsored breathalyser please?”

A smartly-dressed lady takes details of a break-in, leaves behind her business card and details of how house insurance could earn me extra club points.

The Lincolnshire police authority has already agreed a £200m contract that will see G4S building and managing a police station as well as hiring half the force’s existing civilian staff.

Now the West Midlands and Surrey Police are considering offering contracts to private security firms such as G4S which could see their workers standing alongside uniformed officers to investigate crimes, patrol beats and detain suspects.

Change shouldn’t be feared. We should always look for improvement and advancement.

But it must in no way weaken or detract from the standards of safety, security and scrutiny we have.

Big steps have already been taken to make our police more efficient, free them up from office duties and help more get onto the front line of work.

As forces across the country battle to make further savings, they are looking at involving outside bodies more and more.

I’m sure there are more ways that the private sector could be involved in police work.